John Russell (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Fox Russell
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| Born | 27 January 1893 Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales |
| Died | 6 November 1917 (aged 24) Tel-el-Khuwwilfeh, Palestine |
| Buried |
Beersheba War Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1909–1917 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Welch Fusiliers Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
John Fox Russell was a brave Welsh doctor and officer in the British Army. He was born on January 27, 1893, and sadly passed away on November 6, 1917. He received the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Cross (MC). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers in Britain and Commonwealth countries.
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John Fox Russell's Early Life and School Days
John Fox Russell was born in Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales, on January 27, 1893. When he was young, he went to Magdalen College, Oxford, for three years. After that, he attended St. Bees School in Cumbria.
While at St. Bees School, John was a keen member of the Officer Training Corps. This group helps young people learn about being an officer in the army. He was also part of the 1st Holyhead Scout Troop.
Becoming a Doctor and Soldier
At just sixteen years old, John Fox Russell joined the Middlesex Hospital in London to study medicine. While in London, he also joined the University of London Officers Training Corps. In 1914, he became an officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
When World War I started, John was with his regiment at camp. He wanted to finish his medical studies, so he was temporarily allowed to leave his army duties. After he earned his medical degrees, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. He worked with a group of soldiers who used big guns called the Royal Field Artillery.
Later, he went back to his old regiment, the 1st/6th Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He went to Egypt as their medical officer.
Acts of Bravery and Awards
John Fox Russell showed great courage during the war. In the First Battle of Gaza, he earned the Military Cross. This award is given for bravery during battle.
He later received the Victoria Cross for his amazing bravery at Tel-el-Khuwwilfeh in Palestine. The official statement about his award said:
For most conspicuous bravery displayed in action until he was killed. Captain Russell repeatedly went out to attend the wounded under murderous fire from snipers and machine-guns, and in many cases, when no other means were at hand, carried them in himself, although almost exhausted. He showed the greatest possible degree of valour.
This means that Captain Russell kept going out to help injured soldiers even when there was very dangerous shooting from enemy snipers and machine guns. Sometimes, he even carried the wounded soldiers himself, even though he was very tired. He showed incredible bravery.
Remembering a Hero
Sadly, John Fox Russell was killed in action on November 6, 1917. He is buried at the Beersheba War Cemetery.
A special memorial was built at St Bees School to remember him and two other brave soldiers who also received the Victoria Cross: Captain Leefe Robinson and Captain Richard Wain.
Today, John Russell's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Army Medical Services Museum in Mytchett, Surrey.
In 2022, a new building at Kinmel Camp in Bodelwyddan was named Ty John Fox-Russell VC MC in his honor. This building is the headquarters for two army cadet forces and a medical unit.
